Charter awarded to Richard D. Lesh by Dr. Julian Wolff, Commissionaire of The Baker Street Irregulars.

Victor P. Hass, Book Editor of the Omaha World Herald, mentioned in his weekly column "Bookman's Notes" that Lesh was hunting for Sherlockians and the charter dinner was held in October of 1963 at Wayne State College in the President's dining room. Neither Hass nor Lesh were "clubable" men, but the idea of joining with devotees of The Master for drinks, dinner and discussion seemed a good one.

Lesh had been a guest at the New York Baker Street Irregular dinners, but our charter dinner had a distinct advantage over New York, a Master German chef in charge and Hors d'oeuvres and libations of the highest order. We have held to these high standards for close to 35 years and it definitely sets us apart. John Bennet Shaw pronounced our dinners the "finest in the Sherlockian world." Our scholarly tradition has placed us high in the number of papers published by Jezails.

Our Scion is unique in that we have no officers (only the Commandant), no dues, minutes, treasurer's report, newsletter, quizzes are banned, no ballot or committees and male membership. We have cigars and cognac at the table, printed programs, and every table is full service with flowers. A table is set for Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. There is never a head table. Always displayed are the two incon of the group; a two hundred year old jezail rifle and the painting "Saving the Guns at the Battle of Maiwand". Host teams plan several months for a dinner. We are uncommonly "irregular" and meet at the whim of the Commandant from one to three times a year.

We welcome those who express a sincere interest in things Sherlockian. Dilettantes are shunned. Our some 100 members include academia, medical, legal, business, students, judges, media, authors, military, day laborers, and several curmudgeons.

Our bond is the great friendship between Holmes and Watson and the nostalgia of an age of order, reason and justice. It is stimulating and pleasurable to be in the company of those of your breed, and to honor "the wisest and best man I have ever known."